8.01.2016

introducing aces, shades for cool kids by babiators

I've lived in South Florida my entire life. I'm sure I've been programmed with neurosis about the sun but that all intensified once I became a mother. UV damage is irreversible which is pretty scary. And did you know that kids receive three times more UV exposure annually than adults yet parents are almost two times more likely to wear sunglasses than their children? Children’s eyes are more susceptible to sun damage because they have larger pupils and clearer lenses, allowing more UV to penetrate and reach the back of the eyes. The sun can be pretty scary when you think about it. I mean, even just for a quick half hour park trip, our bags are packed with some sunscreen, bottles of water and usually a snapback because my kids are stylin'. (I'm nearly always disheveled, but my kids are always looking pretty cool.) As vigilant as I always am with slathering on the sunscreen and keeping Carmen and Ethan's heads protected from the sun, I've never been able to figure out the sunglasses situation. Ethan, like most five year olds I would imagine, can snap and destroy a pair of sunglasses in minutes without even trying.

This is why I was so stoked to hear that Babiators had a new line for bigger kids (ages 7-14) called Aces. What makes Aces different from your average pair of sunglasses? The flexible rubber frames, for one. You can bend them and twist them but you can't break them. The lenses are also shatter resistant which is pretty cool and, to back up the claims, Babiators will replace your shades for free if you break or lose them in the first year. Yes, if you break or lose them -- it's almost like they know kids or something.

Aces are available in a variety of different colors and each comes with a silhouette bag and lens cloth (which you'll need every five minutes because, you know, kids). Their UV400 lenses offer 100% UVA and UVB protection, which should be a top priority when selecting a pair of shades for your rad little ace.

Ethan is at an age where he's starting to take a big interest in the products we use and clothing we buy. When selecting a pair of Aces for himself, he pointed out that the mirrored lenses were not only cool, but looked a lot like the real sunglasses that his daddy wears. Even for older kids, Aces cross the line from a childish products to an actual cool pair of shades, and he sure couldn't wait to parade his pair of Aces around town. (Ethan would also like me to point out that they're very comfortable to wear, too!)

It's so important to protect those little eyes so that they're capable of seeing the big world around them on all of their adventures. For those of you on Instagram, make sure you're following me (@ifthefaultfits) for a fun Aces giveaway!

DISCLOSURE: We received a complimentary pair of Aces by Babiators in exchange for our review. All opinions are our own.